Cost of living and healthcare expenses are the top priorities for rural voters regarding the upcoming 2026 midterm elections. These pocketbook concerns significantly outweigh other issues for this demographic. A substantial majority, 69%, deem cost of living discussions extremely important for candidates to address. Following closely, 56% of rural voters prioritize hearing about healthcare costs. Government program fraud also emerged as a significant concern for 54% of respondents. The poll revealed that rural voters are experiencing widespread affordability issues across various daily expenses. A majority expressed worry about affording gas, healthcare, and food. Three-quarters of these voters perceive the cost of living in their area as fair or poor, a notable increase since 2017. Despite their economic frustrations, rural voters tend to trust Republicans more to handle the cost of living. The survey indicated a leaning towards the Republican party among rural voters. Economic dissatisfaction among rural Republicans doesn't significantly impact their likelihood to vote for the GOP.